 
Over a five year
period from October 1, 2002 through September
30, 2007, the Office of Consumer Protection
has received 165,213 phone calls, addressed
13,341 walk in visits, conducted 33,317
business checks, and initiated 12,585 citizen
complaints. Refunds and adjustments
have totaled more than $2.2 million dollars
to consumers. Of these complaints,
809 have been opened for criminal investigation
accounting for 1267 victims. The
criminal cases have resulted in a total
of 72.4 years of jail/prison time, 580
years of probation, $136,500 in fines,
and over $2.5 million in court ordered
restitution.
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 Cyber bullying is sending or posting harmful or cruel text or images using the Internet or other digital communication devices. Cyber bullying is emerging as one of the more challenging issues facing educators and parents as young people embrace the Internet and other mobile communication technologies. more>> 
A Statewide effort called  has launched a and will take calls from 8 a.m.through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Callers who fear that they soon won't be able to make their mortgage payments or who have already missed payments but are not yet in foreclosure are urged to call.
Pinellas County Consumer Protection partnered with theFederal Trade Commission and other area agencies on a recent telemarketing fraud sweep. Local agencies held a press conference where they announced the success of the joint operation. As a result of the operation, numerous actions were taken which will greatly effect telemarketing fraud.
While opening up a world of information and resources, surfing online requires education and awareness to stay safe. The Internet opens up new avenues for fraud and exploitation. It is important for kids and teens to know what to look out for to avoid these pitfalls. For parents, it is vital to be knowledgeable about online dangers, aware of your child's Internet activities, and above all, vigilant. Click here for additional information.
The Choking Game: A Pinellas County Consumer Protection Alert
The choking game is a dangerous activity that older children and early adolescents sometimes play to get a brief high. They either choke each other or use a noose to choke themselves. After just a short time, children can pass out, which may lead to serious injury or even death from hanging or strangulation. Click here for additional information.
 On February 17, 2009, analog  broadcasting will end for full-power TV stations. If you watch free over-the-air TV with a broadcast antenna and don’t have a digital TV, you’ll have to get a digital-to-analog converter box for your analog TV. For more information on the digital television transition, including information on a government coupon program for converter boxes, visit the following links: www.dtv.gov and www.dtv2009.gov.
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